SALEM — Dark Days (review)

SALEM — Dark Days album cover Album · 2016 · Heavy Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
Time Signature
Return to Salem...

Genre: traditional heavy metal

In 2013, the NWoBHM legends Salem released their debut album "Forgotten Dreams". Now they are back with a follow-up in the form of "Dark Days".

On "Dark Days", Salem continue in the vein of "Forgotten Dreams". Thus, the listener is treated to quality traditional metal with several NWoBHM elements. The opening track 'Not Guilty' is surprisingly emotional and ballady for an opening track on a metal album, but it works well. 'Nine Months' is an epic track that combines galloping guitars with eastern influences, and features a guitar solo in the vein of Ritchie Blackmore's solo in 'Gates of Babylon'. Come to think of it, while definitely its own song, 'Nine Months' is similar in atmosphere and epicness to 'Gates of Babylon'. This track is definitely one of the finest songs tracks on the album. The track is followed by another stand-out track in the form of the dark and heavy 'Complicated', which in turn is followed by the uptempo rocker 'Lost my Mind', which is rich in twin guitars and features a catchy chorus. 'Dark Days' and 'Second Sight' are solid traditional metal tracks, while there is a certain aggressive groove to 'Tormented', and 'Fallen Angel' combines hard rock grooves with moody ballad parts. 'Toy Story' is a ballad, and 'Prodigal Son' also belongs to the softie department. The latter features some nice twin guitar harmonies, some of which have a slight neoclassical feel to them. Lastly, 'Tank' is a heavy hard rock track, whose chorus is pretty awesome. I mean, who doesn't like singing along to the words "tank oh-oh"?

"Dark Days" is a pretty strong album which is solidly positioned in the traditional metal genre. Still, it contains elements from hard rock and AOR, and 'Nine Months' even features some nods to more progressive music. Upon listening to the album, the listener will realize that these guys are highly experienced and seasoned musicians and songwriters who understand heavy metal and hard rock. Every song is accessible and emphasizes melody. Simon Saxby's vocals are a tad reminiscent of Biff Byford and fits the music very well.

A strong album and a lesson in heavy metal, "Dark Days" should appeal to fans of NWoBHM and traditional metal.

The album does not click with me as much as the predecessor did, but it is still a very strong and enjoyable listen
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